Perth Political Sign Bylaws During Elections
Introduction
Perth, Western Australia enforces local rules on political signs placed on private land, public land and road reserves during election periods. This guide summarises the City of Perth controls, common compliance issues, who enforces the rules and practical steps for candidates, parties and volunteers. It draws on the City of Perth planning and signage guidance and state election campaigning guidance to explain permits, timing, removal requirements and how to report illegal or unsafe signs.[1]
Where the rules come from
Sign controls typically come from the City of Perth local laws and planning scheme, as well as state election rules that set campaign standards on public land and near polling places. Private property signage usually needs the landowners consent and may still require a development approval if it is large, illuminated or placed on a road verge.
General placement rules
- Do not fix signs to street trees, traffic signs, traffic signals or road safety infrastructure.
- Keep clear sightlines at intersections, driveways and pedestrian crossings.
- Observe timing restrictions that may limit when signs can be erected before polling day.
- Check whether a development application or sign permit is required for larger or illuminated signs.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is handled by the City of Perth compliance/by-law officers and relevant state authorities where signs affect road safety or state-controlled land. Exact penalty amounts and escalation steps depend on the controlling instrument; if an amount is not shown on the cited page it is stated here as not specified on the cited page and the source is cited.
- Fines: not specified on the cited page for many electoral sign matters; see the City of Perth pages for local law penalty schedules.[1]
- Escalation: first offence, repeat and continuing offences are handled under the local law enforcement process; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, seizure of unauthorised signs, directives to restore site, and court action are available remedies under city/local law.
- Enforcer and complaints: City of Perth Compliance and By-law Enforcement handles reports; contact via the citys official complaints and enforcement page.[1]
- Appeals and review: review or appeal routes depend on the instrument; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page and will be listed on the formal notice or penalty infringement documentation.
- Defences and discretion: officers may accept reasonable excuse or permit evidence of an approved permit or development approval; permit exemptions are case by case.
Common violations and typical outcomes
- Affixing signs to public trees or infrastructure — likely removal order and potential fine.
- Signs causing sightline or traffic hazards — immediate removal and referral to road authority.
- Persistent unauthorised signage after warning — escalating fines and possible seizure.
Applications & Forms
Permit and application requirements are listed on the City of Perth planning and signs pages; specific form names and fees are not consistently consolidated on a single page and some fees or form numbers are not specified on the cited pages. Contact the City of Perth planning services to confirm the correct form and fee for campaign signage.[1]
Action steps for candidates and campaign teams
- Confirm land ownership and obtain landowner consent in writing for any private property signs.
- Check the City of Perth planning pages for sign permit triggers and lodge any required applications in advance.[1]
- Note allowable erection and removal dates and schedule sign removal promptly after polling day.
- Report damaged or hazardous signs to the City of Perth or the state road authority.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to put up a political sign in Perth?
- Possibly. Small, temporary signs on private land often do not need a permit, but larger, illuminated, or verge-mounted signs may require approval; check the City of Perth planning and signage guidance.[1]
- Can I place signs on a road verge or median?
- Generally no without authorisation; signs on road reserves may be removed and can create safety risks and penalties.
- Who do I contact to report an illegal or unsafe sign?
- Contact City of Perth Compliance or the WA electoral authority for signs that affect polling locations or public safety; emergency hazards should be reported to the relevant road authority immediately.[1]
How-To
- Identify the sign locations and obtain written permission from private landowners.
- Review City of Perth signage and planning guidance to determine if a permit or development approval is required.
- Apply for any required permit with supporting diagrams and fees as instructed by the City of Perth planning services; retain proof of submission.
- Install signs responsibly to avoid sightline and safety issues and mark removal dates on your campaign calendar.
- Remove all campaign signage promptly after the election and document removal with photographs.
Key Takeaways
- Check City of Perth planning and signs guidance before erecting signs.
- Prioritise road safety and avoid installing signs on public infrastructure.
- Plan timing and removal to comply with local rules and avoid enforcement action.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Perth Contact and Compliance
- City of Perth Planning & Building
- Western Australian Electoral Commission